12-Year-Old Girl Dies in Wasco From Big Rig Truck Accident

By
The Matiasic Firm
|June 18, 2012

Another tragic trucking accident
took the life of a young girl in Wasco, California on June 15, 2012. A California Highway
Patrol spokesman indicated that the accident involved a big rig truck
that was hauling a trailer and a passenger vehicle. Investigating officers
have determined that the truck was going approximately 55 miles per hour
westbound on McCombs Avenue and apparently blew through a stop sign as
if it never existed.

The CHP is in the process of investigating the accident and it is still
as to why the truck driver failed to stop. Driver inattention is a common
reason for running stop signs, or even a moment’s glance at a text
message on the cell phone can make a person miss a sign. The
Federal Motor Carrier Administration has banned truck drivers from texting while driving because of the deadly
consequences that can result when truck drivers take their eyes off of the road.

Additionally, it is possible that the truck driver missed the stop sign
because of driver fatigue. Fatigue can affect a driver's judgment,
perception, and reaction time. Truck drivers and their employers must
observe hours of service regulations to avoid the dangers associated with
driver fatigue. Truck drivers and their employers can both be held liable
for damages if they fail to follow and document their compliance with
the federal hours of service regulations.

Reports indicate that the big rig truck slammed into a vehicle that was
being driven by 23-year-old Carlos Ortiz of Wasco who suffered major injuries.
A 12-year-old passenger, who was killed in the accident, has been identified
as Dulce Flor Ortiz. Additionally, there were two other passengers in
the car whose injuries have been described as moderate. The driver of
the big rig truck was identified as 56-year-old Howard Young of Lemoore
and his injuries were minor.

At The Matiasic Firm, we send our sincere condolences to the victims and
their families.
Trucking accidents can destroy lives in an instant. When a truck driver's negligence
causes the wrongful death of a loved one it is essential to contact an
experienced trucking accident lawyer immediately to fight for you.

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